Creative Director (Architecture & Urban Design)

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Executive health

Relocation assistance

Sabbatical program

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a prestigious, internationally recognized architectural and urban design firm in Port Elizabeth to appoint a Creative Director. This leadership role demands a visionary with a passion for innovative design, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire cross-disciplinary teams to deliver compelling projects.

You will set the artistic direction, oversee concepts from sketches to final designs, and represent the practice at client pitches and industry forums, shaping

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive design leadership experience.
• Acclaimed portfolio with high-profile projects.
• Proven ability to inspire and manage design teams.
• Strong understanding of architectural theory, urbanism, sustainability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with business acumen.
• Experience with diverse client groups.
• Fluency in industry-standard design software.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the firm's creative vision, design philosophy, and aesthetic standards across all projects.
• Lead and inspire multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Oversee the conceptual design phase of major architectural and urban design projects, ensuring originality and strategic alignment.
• Actively participate in client pitches and presentations, articulating the firm's design strengths and vision.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic business goals and identify new opportunities.
• Mentor and guide emerging talent within the design team, nurturing their creative potential.
• Ensure the highest quality of design output, from initial sketches to detailed presentations and final designs.
• Stay at the forefront of global architectural and urban design trends, incorporating innovative ideas and technologies.
• Represent the firm in industry forums, conferences, and public engagements.

Skills

Creative leadership

Architecture

Urban design

Portfolio excellence

Client presentations

Staff mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Architecture/Urban Design

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious and internationally recognized architectural and urban design firm located in **Port Elizabeth**, is seeking an exceptional Creative Director. This pivotal leadership role demands a visionary individual with an unparalleled passion for innovative design, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to inspire creative teams. You will be responsible for setting the artistic direction and design ethos of the firm, overseeing the conceptual development of major projects, and ensuring the delivery of groundbreaking architectural solutions that resonate globally. The ideal candidate will possess a distinguished portfolio showcasing significant contributions to high-profile projects, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of contemporary architectural trends, urban planning principles, and cultural contexts. Join us in **Port Elizabeth** to lead the next chapter of design innovation and leave a lasting legacy on the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and champion the firm's creative vision, design philosophy, and aesthetic standards across all projects.
• Lead and inspire multi-disciplinary design teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Oversee the conceptual design phase of major architectural and urban design projects, ensuring originality and strategic alignment.
• Actively participate in client pitches and presentations, articulating the firm's design strengths and vision.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic business goals and identify new opportunities.
• Mentor and guide emerging talent within the design team, nurturing their creative potential.
• Ensure the highest quality of design output, from initial sketches to detailed presentations and final designs.
• Stay at the forefront of global architectural and urban design trends, incorporating innovative ideas and technologies.
• Represent the firm in industry forums, conferences, and public engagements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, or a related design discipline.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in leading design for significant architectural and urban planning projects.
• A highly acclaimed portfolio demonstrating exceptional creative vision and successful delivery of complex, high-profile projects.
• Proven track record of inspiring and managing creative teams effectively.
• Deep understanding of architectural theory, urbanism, sustainability, and contemporary design practices.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and a passion for shaping the built environment.
• Experience working with diverse client groups and stakeholders.
• Fluency in industry-standard design software is expected.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including significant performance-based incentives and equity options.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits, relocation assistance, and a generous sabbatical program are provided.
• Join our team in **Port Elizabeth** and shape the future of design.